Synthax, the Americas distributor for RME, announces the new MADIface Pro desktop interface.
The new MADIface Pro retains the design aesthetics of RME’s Babyface Pro interface with its integrated XLR and analog I/O’s, but replaces the ADAT I/O with a MADI port. The result is 64 channels of audio on a single cable housed in a compact form factor that fits in one’s laptop computer bag.
In terms of basic functionality, the MADIface Pro offers two analog mic/line XLR inputs, two XLR line outputs, two universal TS inputs for line or instrument, and 2 stereo TRS outputs for low / high impedance headphones. The included TotalMix FX software adds 3-band parametric EQs and reverb/ echo, plus unlimited mixing and routing options. A MIDI I/O completes the fully DAW compatible feature set. The unit operates via USB bus power and normally does not require an external power supply, unless the MADI I/O is used.
The MADIface Pro’s optical MADI I/O offers 64 input and output channels with sample rates up to 192 kHz. MADI I/O is fully supported in the included RME TotalMix FX software, with the analog I/O’ s being simultaneously available, resulting in 68 channels input and 68 channels output over USB 2.
When not connected to a computer, the MADIface Pro enters stand-alone mode. In this mode, MADI channels 1 to 64 are passed unchanged from input to output but are refreshed by the MADIface Pro SteadyClock III. Optionally, channels 1/2 can be replaced by the input signals 1/2, 3/4, MADI 1/2 or a user adjustable mixdown of all channels. The unit’s analog outputs can be used to listen to any incoming MADI channel pair.
The new MADIface Pro delivers via USB 2.0—facilitating the ability to record and playback 68 simultaneous channels, all with buffer sizes as low as 32 samples (the lowest value is dependent on the computer used). The MADIface Pro can also be used in class compliant mode, which achieves 24 channels of I/O (4 analog and 20 channels MADI) on an iPad. This mobile solution can be easily set and controlled via RME’s optional iOS app TotalMix FX for iPad—available in the App Store.
Mathias von Heydekampf, managing director at Synthax, comments on the new MADIface Pro, “The MADIface Pro brings all the benefits of RME’s highly regarded Babyface Pro, but substitutes the ADAT I/O with a MADI port—making this unit an outstanding choice for high end production work that frequently employs a greater number of audio channels. This beautifully machined interface is both rugged and compact—so it’s a terrific choice for mobile production. I’m confident that audio engineers will find much to like with this new interface.”
RME’s new MADIface Pro desktop interface carries an MSRP of $1,399.00. The unit is shipping now.
